Cummington woman accused of shoplifting $268 worth of Red Bull from Pittsfield store planned to sell it in Holyoke to raise cash for heroin

Photo by Nattu / FlickrA Cummington woman is charged with stealing $268 in Red Bull from Pittsfield. The popular energy drink is also popular among shoplifters, in part because of its resale value.

PITTSFIELD - A 23-year-old Cummington woman charged in Pittsfield with stealing $268 worth of an energy drink from the local Price Chopper supermarket apparently intended to sell it on the streets of Holyoke in order to raise money for heroin, officials said.

Nicole Litchfield of 56 Main St., Cummington, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Central Berkshire District Court to larceny charges, according to the Berkshire Eagle.

The newspaper reported that her husband, William Litchfield, 23, same address, is also facing similar charges, told police they stole cans of Red Bull with plans to sell them in Holyoke to support their energy habit.

Across the country police and retailers report a spike in Red Bull thefts. Police said the popular drink is also popular with shoplifters because they can turn around and resell it for a quick profit.
The National Retail Federation lists Red Bull as one of the most commonly targeted items for thieves.

Nicole Litchfield was previously arrested for stealing $400 worth of energy drinks from a Price Chopper in Lenox, but the charge was dropped after she agreed to reimburse the store.